Trends in Use of Melatonin Supplements Among US Adults, 1999-2018

Exogenous supplementation of melatonin, one of the key hormones governing circadian rhythm , is indicated for treatment of circadian rhythm sleep disorders1 and, despite insufficient evidence,2 is widely used as an over-the-counter sleep aid. Evidence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of melatonin3 has prompted investigation of its therapeutic value in multiple diseases.4 Although melatonin is… Continue reading Trends in Use of Melatonin Supplements Among US Adults, 1999-2018

Intake of Flavonoids and Flavonoid-Rich Foods, and Mortality Risk Among Individuals With Parkinson Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study

AbstractBackground and objectives: Although flavonoids have the potential to exert neuroprotective benefits, evidence of their role in improving survival rates among individuals with Parkinson disease (PD) remains lacking. We aimed to prospectively study the association between pre- and post-diagnosis flavonoid intakes and risk of mortality among individuals with PD identified from two large ongoing cohorts… Continue reading Intake of Flavonoids and Flavonoid-Rich Foods, and Mortality Risk Among Individuals With Parkinson Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study

SARS-CoV-2 vaccines: Lights and shadows

Highglights• So far, vaccines to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection appear as promising approach for curbing the pandemic. • Vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 are being developed using several different platforms. • Some concerns have been raised regarding the safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines on the basis of rare adverse reactions, particularly thromboembolic. • The applicability to the real life… Continue reading SARS-CoV-2 vaccines: Lights and shadows

Quantified integrated hepatitis B virus is related to viral activity in chronic hepatitis B patients

AbstractBackground & AimsThe hepatitis B virus (HBV) can integrate in the host genome of the hepatocyte and recent findings suggest that integrated HBV contributes to the persistent production of viral proteins. Here we quantified the levels of integrated HBV in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, and analysed the relation between HBV integration, virological activity (plasma… Continue reading Quantified integrated hepatitis B virus is related to viral activity in chronic hepatitis B patients

School closure and management practices during coronavirus outbreaks including COVID-19: a rapid systematic review

In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, 107 countries had implemented national school closures by March 18, 2020. It is unknown whether school measures are effective in coronavirus outbreaks (eg, due to severe acute respiratory syndrome [SARS], Middle East respiratory syndrome, or COVID-19). We undertook a systematic review by searching three electronic databases… Continue reading School closure and management practices during coronavirus outbreaks including COVID-19: a rapid systematic review

Inverse association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

AbstractBackground & AimsSerum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (S-25(OH)D) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are correlated in many observational studies, whereas the causality of this association is uncertain, especially in European populations. We conducted a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study to determine the association between S-25(OH)D and NAFLD. MethodsSeven and six independent genetic variants associated with S-25(OH)D and… Continue reading Inverse association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Adolescent psychiatric disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown

Highlights•The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown may have a negative impact on the mental health of adolescents. •Epidemics and disasters are associated with adolescent Post Traumatic Stress, Depression, and Anxiety symptoms. •Healthcare system adaptations are necessary for mental health support despite the lockdown. •Home confinement may be associated with increased intrafamilial violence. •Data is scarce on… Continue reading Adolescent psychiatric disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown

Prevalence and Durability of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies Among Unvaccinated US Adults by History of COVID-19

As of December 28, 2021, approximately 27% of the US population was unvaccinated against SARS-CoV-2,1 yet the prevalence of natural immunity remains unknown. Blood donor studies may have selection bias and lack clinical information.2 Previous COVID-19 infection is a possible surrogate for natural immunity, but 1 study suggested that 36% of COVID-recovered individuals are serologic… Continue reading Prevalence and Durability of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies Among Unvaccinated US Adults by History of COVID-19

Evaluation of Adiposity and Cognitive Function in Adults

Excess adipose tissue increases other cardiovascular risk factors, which may be associated with vascular brain injury and cognitive impairment. However, the extent to which the amount and distribution of adipose tissue may be associated with lower cognitive scores, independent of its association with cardiovascular risk factors, is not well characterized. Objective To investigate the association… Continue reading Evaluation of Adiposity and Cognitive Function in Adults